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Argentina returns to 2026 World Cup action on Monday when it faces Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste come into the match riding high after a commanding 3–0 victory over Algeria in their opening game, with Messi netting a hat trick and drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history on 16 goals.
Austria also made a positive impression in their first outing against Jordan, claiming a 3–1 victory courtesy of goals from Romano Schmidt, an own goal by Yazan Al-Arab, and a late Marko Arnautović spot kick.
Both teams will be eager to take another stride toward the round of 16 in Texas, with talent throughout both squads setting the stage for what should be a fiercely contested match.
Argentina vs. Austria Score Prediction
Messi to Break Record
Although Austria is likely to pose a tougher challenge than Algeria, Argentina still appears to hold a clear edge—especially in the attacking third.
The fixture also presents Lionel Messi with a golden opportunity to etch his name further into the history books by becoming the outright greatest goalscorer in World Cup history. Throughout his illustrious career, the Barcelona icon and current Inter Miami forward has consistently risen to the occasion on the grandest stages, and following his brilliant display against Algeria, it is difficult to bet against another standout performance.
That said, Austria possesses genuine quality in key positions. Their defensive unit, marshalled by David Alaba, will be no pushover, while Marcel Sabitzer has the capacity to influence a game at any moment and Romano Schmid brings creativity and dribbling ability that could cause problems for Argentina's defensive line.
Prediction: Argentina 2–1 Austria
Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Austria
Scaloni is anticipated to make just a single change to his side for the clash with Austria.
Gonzalo Montiel was withdrawn at the interval during the Algeria win due to injury. Although the problem is not thought to be serious, Argentina is unlikely to risk him this early in the competition, which should pave the way for Nahuel Molina to slot into the starting eleven at right back.
Beyond that, the same defensive and midfield setup that featured against Algeria is expected to remain intact, though there may be alterations in the forward line.
Nicolás González could earn a starting berth after coming on as a substitute to register an assist, taking the place of Thiago Almada on the left wing. In attack, Lautaro Martínez had a difficult outing against Algeria and was hauled off shortly after the break, meaning Julián Álvarez could be handed a starting role.
Argentina predicted lineup vs. Austria (4-3-3): E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, González; Messi, Álvarez.
Austria Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina
Much like Argentina, Austria also faces a concern at right back, with Stefan Posch a significant doubt after sustaining a broken jaw. Although surgery is not required, he is expected to be kept out of action, with Konrad Laimer—predominantly a midfielder—set to deputise at fullback.
In the middle of the park, RB Leipzig duo Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager are expected to retain their spots, potentially playing just in front of No. 10 Carney Chukwuemeka.
In attack, Saša Kalajdžić started against Jordan but made way for Marko Arnautović at halftime, with the experienced striker now in the frame to lead the line from the start.
Austria predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-2-3-1): A. Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdžić.
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Country | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
United States | FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, FOX One, SiriusXM FC, Futbol de Primera Radio |
Canada | TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, RDS App |
United Kingdom | BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live |
Mexico | ViX Mexico |
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Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has contributed to The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of sitting down with some of the most prominent figures in global sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and many others.